Sudden Erectile Dysfunction: What Causes Sudden ED And How Is It Treated?

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on June 03, 2022

Forget about erectile dysfunction (ED) being something that only affects older men. Large multinational studies estimate that as high as 30% of young men have experienced erectile dysfunction.

In fact, there are many types of ED that can hit men of all ages — even though most of them will never want to admit it. They may, however, tried using Viagra pills from Canada.

One alarming version is known as sudden erectile dysfunction. This can be particularly surprising because it can come without any warning.

In this article, we'll answer all your questions about what sudden ED is, including:

1. What Is Sudden Erectile Dysfunction, and What Are the Symptoms?
2. What Causes Sudden Erectile Dysfunction?
3. What Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction Is Available?
4. What Are Possible Complications of Untreated Sudden Erectile Dysfunction?
5. Prevention Tips for Avoiding Sudden Erectile Dysfunction
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction
7. Key Takeaways

What Is Sudden Erectile Dysfunction, and What Are the Symptoms?

Erectile dysfunction, formerly known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection to have sex. 

An erection happens when there is increased blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually stimulated by physical touch or sexual thought. When he is erect, a muscle in the penis relaxes, allowing blood vessels to let more blood flow through the penile arteries.

Erectile dysfunction happens when not enough blood flows into the penis or if it can't maintain enough blood to keep an erection. 

Having trouble from time to time isn't really a huge cause for concern. But if it becomes an ongoing issue, it can lead to several other problems, like stress and self-confidence issues.

Read more: 7 Natural Ways To Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Other symptoms of ED (other than not being able to get an erection) include:

1. Inability to ejaculate
2. Emotional issues such as embarrassment, shame, and decreased libido
3. Lower sensation and pleasure
4. Lack of desire

ED typically happens gradually as one gets older. But in cases where ED happens suddenly and for no reason, we call it sudden erectile dysfunction. This can understandably be very unsettling for anyone going through it.

What Causes Sudden Erectile Dysfunction?

If you've never had any issues with erectile dysfunction before, you may be asking yourself: "Why do I suddenly have erectile dysfunction?"

Unfortunately, there's no singular cause that can be traced to ED. There are several medical factors that can contribute, including:

1. Vascular issues
2. Obesity
3. Blood pressure medications
4. Treatments for prostate cancer
5. Injury to penis, prostate, or bladder
6. Endocrine disorders

Most likely, there is more than one issue that could be causing erectile dysfunction suddenly. Certain lifestyle choices also have an effect on erectile performance. Some other outside issues could be:

1. Excessive alcohol consumption
2. Smoking
3. Drug Use
4. Medications such as antidepressants, sedatives, appetite suppressants, or blood pressure medication 

Another big culprit of ED could be psychological issues. Those include:

1. Guilt or fear of sex
2. Low self-esteem
3. Performance anxiety
4. Chronic stress
5. Depression

When looking at these common causes, it's not surprising that someone might even experience sudden erectile dysfunction at 21 years old.

What Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction Is Available?

If you believe you are experiencing sudden erectile dysfunction, go to a doctor to see if there's an ED treatment plan that works for you. Your doctor will probably ask you several questions to find the root cause of your sudden ED. 

Depending on what they find, there are several erectile dysfunction treatment options that might help you get back on track:

Eat a Healthier Diet

Many studies show that a healthier diet contributes to better penile health. These include:

1. Fish
2. Vegetables
3. Nuts
4. Fruits
5. Legumes
6. Healthy fats

All of this help reduce the risk of ED. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, as this can make your ED problem worse.

Exercise More and Lose Weight

ED is closely linked to cardiovascular disease. This can result from physical inactivity, high blood pressure, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

By becoming more active, you can improve erectile function by improving vascular function, as well as effectively lift your mood. 

Get Mental Health Treatment

More than 1 in 5 adult Canadians experience mental illness at some point in their lifetime. It's no surprise that men are experiencing sudden erectile dysfunction at 30 years old or even younger.

If your sudden ED seems to be coming from psychological issues, the next step might be to see a therapist or counsellor to work through your mental health issues. Depression and anxiety have been linked to sudden ED, as well as antidepressants. 

Erectile Dysfunction Medications

There are several medications on the market specifically designed to treat erectile dysfunction.

These drugs are known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. In the male body, PDE5 enzymes break down substances that help give you an erection.

By blocking these enzymes, these drugs break down other substances produced by nitric oxide in the blood, which allows the muscles in your penis to relax. This allows more blood to flow freely into the penis. 

Like most medications, these drugs are not without risk. They have several side effects and precautions that you need to be aware of before you start taking them.

Make sure you consult with a doctor before taking any medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. 

What Are Possible Complications of Untreated Sudden Erectile Dysfunction?

Although sudden erectile dysfunction usually isn't a life-threatening or debilitating medical condition, it can still be a serious issue in any man's life.

If ED is left untreated, it can exacerbate negative psychological feelings, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

It can have a negative impact on your sex life as well as lead to relationship problems. It will also leave you with the inability to get your partner pregnant if you are looking to start a family.

Don't delay in talking to a doctor if you're experiencing ED. These issues grow and fester, leading to problems in other parts of your life.

Prevention Tips for Avoiding Sudden Erectile Dysfunction

The best way to prevent any form of erectile dysfunction from happening is by making healthy lifestyle choices while being aware of any other existing health problems you may be having.

Here are a few examples of things you can do to prevent ED:

1. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
2. Reduce stress at work and at home as much as possible
3. Stop smoking, lower your alcohol intake, and avoid illegal drugs
4. Regularly see your doctor for medical checkups
5. Make sure you are managing any other medical conditions you may have, like diabetes or heart disease
6. Get help for mental issues such as anxiety or depression
7. Follow a healthy eating plan, avoid high-fat foods, and control your blood pressure

Keep yourself as healthy as possible, and you'll be able to reduce any causes of ED.

Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction

Still have more questions? Here are a few more FAQs regarding ED.

1- What's the Difference Between Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence?

The two phrases typically mean the same thing. However, they carry different connotations.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often used to describe a range of conditions, as simple as occasionally being unable to get an erection. Impotence, on the other hand, seems to carry a definitive inability to have an erection. It carries a much more negative connotation.

2- How Long Should I Wait Before Seeing a Doctor?

In truth, most men will experience ED of some level in their lives. Most of the time, it's not permanent. 

If you think that your ED is linked to an event in your life, such as losing a job, your ED could be temporary. But if your inability to get an erection is something that happens over and over, it might be time to see a doctor.

3- How Effective are ED Medications?

FDA-approved medications are very effective at treating men with ED. Most men that have mild or moderate ED often have great experiences, and around 70-80% of all men get some benefit from using them.

4- Do You Need to See a Doctor to Get ED Meds?

Yes, most medications used to treat erectile dysfunction need a prescription. There are several convenient online services where you can get prescribed your ED medication as well as have it shipped to you discretely.

Key Takeaways

Experiencing sudden erectile dysfunction at any age can be a frightening and lonely experience. But the most important thing you need to remember is that you're not alone, and there are solutions.

Luckily, there is plenty of treatment for ED available. Erectile dysfunction is often treatable — but you do need to dig around to find the root cause of your problem with the help of your physician.  

Don't waste another second!